Carona's federal indictment has made some county officials uncomfortable with him remaining in office, but they said they had few options. County Supervisor John Moorlach proposed a ballot measure Wednesday that would allow the board to remove Carona, but it would take four months to get it before voters.

Orange County Sheriff Michael S. Carona, second right, holding his wife Deborah's hand, second left, and accompanied by members of the defense team Jordana Boag, left, and Andrea Jacobs leave the Ronald Reagan Federal Building in Santa Ana , Calif., Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

California law allows Carona to remain in office unless he is convicted, although only two elected sheriffs in recent California history have done so -- and both ultimately resigned.